Writ petition seeking prevention of Pastor Jerome’s arrest postponed

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The writ petition filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando seeking an order preventing police from arresting him in connection with the controversial Sunday sermon was yesterday postponed for September 21 by the Court of Appeal.  

The Court was informed that the Attorney General had filed limited objections challenging the maintainability of the petition. The Court of Appeal fixed the matter to be taken up for support on September 21.  

The CID has already commenced investigations against Pastor Jerome for insulting other religions and for the alleged commission of offenses under section 291B of the Penal Code and section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act of 56 of 2007.   It is alleged that, on or about May 18, 2023, Jerome Fernando had addressed a large gathering of people and made numerous statements that are derogatory of other religions, specifically of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.   
Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrema appeared for the Attorney General. Jagath Wickramanayake PC appeared for the Petitioner Jerome Fernando.